This week is Volunteers Week, celebrated each year in the first week of June.
It’s a week in which volunteers are celebrated and thanked for the contribution that they make to their communities every day.

It represents the millions of volunteers who make a profound impact on their communities and on society, through giving a little time back.

The week also raises awareness about the benefits of becoming a volunteer and the diverse volunteering roles that are available.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services (MFRS) currently has more than 50 volunteers who get involved in a long list of activities including:

• Attending health and wellness events and delivering advice to our communities around smoke alarms and home safety
• Delivering advice to young people during NFCC Water Safety Week about how to ay safe in the water
• Delivering arson campaigns engaging with our teams, the community and partners
• Assisting the Prince’s Trust teams and supporting the team leaders in delivery of the programme
• Participating in leaflet drops and providing fire safety information
• Taking part in exercises to support our training and planning departments
• Delivering safety messages in line with the NFCC campaign calendar covering a range of other prevention activities.

This week, MFRS’ Chief Fire Officer is thanking each of our volunteers for the amazing contribution that they continue to make to a Service which they now form part of.

On Wednesday, he presented our longest serving volunteer – 75-year-old Kath Dixon – with flowers in recognition of her contribution.

Kath has been volunteering with MFRS for eight years and spends one day a week calling members of the public who have had Home Fire Safety Checks, asking for their feedback in order to make improvements if necessary.

“I enjoy communicating and talking to people. MFRS is a very friendly place to work. Volunteering here keeps my brain going,” said Kath, who was delighted to receive the bouquet of flowers.

CFO Phil Garrigan said: “The contribution that our volunteers have made and continue to make cannot be overstates. We are very fortunate to have so many people – men and women, young and old – who are prepared to give up their time to keep our communities safe.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, please email volunteers@merseyfire.gov.uk